These concepts, themes, issues, debates and essential questions are the basis for study in
cognitively complex literature and language arts program. Wauconda CUSD #118 subscribes
to these concepts of depth and complexity.
A big Idea refers to transferable concepts, principles and theories that should serve as the
focal point of curricula, instruction, and assessment. Big ideas help connect the discrete facts
and skills. They are typically revealed through one or more the following forms: a concept
(e.g. change) a theme (e.g. Mans inhumanity to man) an issue or debate (e.g., voter apathy
or strength).
Essential Questions reflect the most historically important issues, problems and debates in a
field of study. For example, Is history inevitably biased? What is a proof? OR, What makes a
Child Gifted?: Is it nature or nurture? Essential questions are open-ended with no single,
correct answer. They are meant to stimulate inquiry, debate and further questions, and can be
reexamined over time. They are designed to be though provoking to students, engaging them
in sustained, focused inquires, culminating in meaningful conversations and reflective
products.
Chaos and Order
What is the importance of civilization and what factors support or destroy its fabric?
What are the positive and negative aspects of both chaos and order?
What are the responsibilities and consequences of this new world order described as global?
What role does chaos play in the creative process?
What are the politics and consequences of war, and how do these vary based on an individual
or cultural perspective?
Constructing Identities
How do we form and shape our identities?
In a culture where we are bombarded with ideas and images of what we should be, how does
one form an identity that remains true and authentic for her/himself?
What turning points determine our individual pathways to adulthood?
In a culture where we are bombarded with other people trying to define us, how do we make
decisions for ourselves?
Creation
What is creativity and what is its importance for the individual / the culture?
What is art and its function in our lives?
Does a culture / community / institution have the right to censor its artists?
Freedom and Responsibility
What is freedom?
Is freedom ever free?
What is the relationship between freedom and responsibility?
What are the essential liberties?
Is liberty and justice for all attainable?
Should people sacrifice freedom in the interest of security?
When does government have the right to restrict the freedoms of people?
When is the restriction of freedom a good thing?
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What are enduring questions and conflicts that writers (and their cultures) grappled with
hundreds of years ago and are still relevant today?
How do we gauge the optimism or pessimism of a particular time period or particular group of
writers?
Are there universal themes in literature that are of interest or concern to all cultures and
societies?
What are the characteristics or elements that cause a piece of literature to endure?
What distinguishes a good read from great literature?
Who decides the criteria for judging whether or not a book is any good?
What is the purpose of: science fiction? satire? historical novels, etc.?
Love and Sacrifice
If any, what are the boundaries of love and sacrifice, and where does one draw the line
between them?
What are the factors that move individuals / communities / nations to great sacrifice and what
are the consequences?
Nature in the Balance
What are the responsibilities of the individual / society / superpowers in regard to the health of
the environment? ( local, regional, national or international context can be used)
What are the consequences of being unconcerned with natures balance/harmony?
Our View of the World and Ourselves
How do we know what we know?
How does what we know about the world shape the way we view ourselves?
How do our personal experiences shape our view of others?
What does it mean to be an insider or an outsider?
What does it mean to grow up?
Do you believe that things are fated no matter what, or do you believe your actions can change
the course of your life?
Have the forces of good and evil changed over time?
What is the relevance of studying multicultural texts?
How does the media shape our view of the world and ourselves?
In a culture where we are bombarded with other people trying to define us, how do we make
decisions for ourselves?
What turning points determine our individual pathways to adulthood?
Past, Present, and Future
Why do we bother to study/examine the past, present or future?
What are the recurrent motifs of history and in what ways have they changed or remained the
same?
The Pursuit of Happiness
What is happiness and what is the degree of importance in ones life?
To what extent does a culture / society / subculture shape an individuals understanding or
concept of happiness?
Relationships and Community
What are the elements that build a strong friendship?
How do friendships change over time?
What impact does family have during different stages of our lives?
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What is morality and what are the factors that have an impact on the development of our
morality?
What role or purpose does religion / spirituality serve in a culture?
What purpose or function do ethics / philosophy have in governing technological advances?
How do our values and beliefs shape who we are as individuals and influence our behavior?
Social Justice
What is social justice?
To what extent does power or the lack of power affect individuals?
What is oppression and what is the root cause?
How are prejudice and bias created? How do we overcome them?
What are the responsibilities of the individual in regard to issues of social justice?
Can literature serve as a vehicle for social change?
When should an individual take a stand against what he/she believes to be an injustice? What
are the most effective ways to do this?
What are the factors that create an imbalance of power within a culture?
What does power have to do with fairness and justice?
Is it ever necessary to question the status quo?
What are the benefits and consequences of questioning / challenging social order?
Do we have choices concerning fairness and justice?
Does labeling and stereotyping influence how we look at and understand the world?
What does it mean to be invisible? (context: minorities)
In what ways can a minority keep their issues on the larger cultures "radar screen?"
Does an institution/culture ever have a right to censor its artists?
What creates prejudice and what can an individual overcome it?
What are the causes and consequences of prejudice and injustice, and how does an
individuals response to them reveal his/her true character?
What allows some individuals to take a stand against prejudice/oppression while others
choose to participate in it?
What are the causes and consequences of prejudice and how does an individuals response to
it reveal his/her morals, ethics, and values?